Legal Definitions - equal degree

The term equal degree refers to a situation where two or more individuals, entities, or circumstances possess the same level, rank, or closeness in relation to a specific standard, criterion, or point of reference. It signifies parity or equivalence in a particular aspect, often concerning legal standing, responsibility, or familial relationship.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Inheritance Among Siblings

  Imagine a person passes away without a will, leaving behind two adult children. In many legal systems, these children are considered to be of an equal degree of kinship to their deceased parent. This means they are equally close relatives in terms of familial relationship, and therefore, they would typically have an equal claim to inherit from the parent's estate, assuming no other legal factors intervene.

• Example 2: Shared Responsibility in a Contract

  Consider two business partners who sign a contract to jointly supply goods to a client. If the contract specifies that both partners are equally liable for fulfilling the terms, they are said to bear an equal degree of responsibility. Should there be a breach, the client could pursue either partner for the full amount, as their obligation is considered to be on the same level.

• Example 3: Comparative Negligence in an Accident

  Suppose two drivers are involved in a car accident, and a court determines that both drivers contributed to the collision through their actions. If the court finds that Driver A was 50% at fault and Driver B was also 50% at fault, they are deemed to be at an equal degree of negligence. This finding would then influence how damages are apportioned between them, reflecting their balanced contribution to the incident.